Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic event such as war, natural disasters, or physical or sexual abuse. PTSD affects about 6% of U.S. adults at some point in their lives. Symptoms may begin shortly after a traumatic event or appear weeks, months, or even years later.

Experiencing or Witnessing a Traumatic Event

PTSD can develop after life-threatening events including imprisonment, car accidents, natural disasters, violence, or traumatic medical events like cancer or chronic illness. It can occur from directly experiencing trauma, witnessing it, or hearing about trauma affecting someone else.

Flashbacks and Intrusive Memories

Flashbacks are a type of re-experiencing symptom. Triggers like sounds, smells, or places can make someone feel like they are reliving the traumatic event. These flashbacks are vivid and can cause physical symptoms like sweating and heart racing.

Nightmares

Upsetting and recurring nightmares related to the traumatic event are common. They often re-enact the event and disrupt sleep. People with PTSD may avoid sleep altogether to avoid experiencing them.

Avoidance Behavior

People with PTSD may avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma. This includes avoiding people, places, conversations, or objects related to the event. Some may use substances like alcohol or drugs to block out memories or emotions.

Hypervigilance and Sleep Problems

Hypervigilance is when someone is always on alert for danger. It may involve behaviors like always sitting facing the door. This constant state of alertness can contribute to insomnia and emotional exhaustion.

Exaggerated Startle Response

Known as hyperarousal, this symptom causes someone to react strongly to being startled. This can interfere with sleep, increase anxiety, and lead to irritability or angry outbursts.

Depression and Emotional Numbing

Many people with PTSD experience persistent sadness, guilt, hopelessness, or emotional numbness. They may lose interest in activities, withdraw from loved ones, and have difficulty feeling joy or positivity.

Anger and Irritability

PTSD can cause increased anger or irritability, often resulting in verbal or physical outbursts. These reactions can stem from unresolved feelings or a heightened survival mode state. Therapy, such as CBT, can help manage these emotions.

Reckless or Self-Destructive Behavior

PTSD is linked to high-risk behaviors like substance abuse, gambling, self-harm, and reckless driving. These actions are often used to cope with emotional pain and may increase the risk of further trauma.

Chronic Pain

Some people with PTSD also experience chronic physical pain, such as headaches or back pain. Chronic pain may worsen PTSD symptoms and is often linked with anxiety, depression, and opioid use.

Panic Attacks

PTSD can lead to panic attacks with symptoms like racing heart, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. These may be triggered by trauma-related cues or occur in reaction to overwhelming stress.

Memory Loss

Some people with PTSD experience dissociative amnesia, where they can’t recall important aspects of the trauma. This is different from ordinary forgetting and can affect parts of or entire traumatic events.

Guilt and Shame

People with PTSD may feel persistent guilt or shame, blaming themselves for what happened. This can damage self-esteem and prevent healing. Therapy can help process and reduce these emotions.

Difficulty Concentrating

PTSD can impair concentration, memory, and focus. This affects daily tasks, relationships, and work performance. Cognitive difficulties are a common symptom and may require targeted mental health support.

Suicidal Thoughts

Untreated PTSD may lead to suicidal ideation. The emotional burden can be overwhelming, especially if accompanied by depression or substance use. Immediate support is crucial if these thoughts occur.

Feeling Detached from Yourself or Reality

Some people experience depersonalization (feeling detached from oneself) or derealization (feeling like the world is unreal). These dissociative symptoms can make everyday life feel dreamlike or disconnected.

Symptoms Lasting More Than a Month

If symptoms last more than a month, they may indicate PTSD rather than acute stress disorder. A mental health professional can evaluate the symptoms and rule out other causes such as physical illness or substance use.

Symptoms in Children

Children with PTSD may show different signs, such as bedwetting, forgetting how to speak, reenacting trauma during play, or becoming overly clingy. These signs should be taken seriously and evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Is PTSD Contagious?

PTSD itself is not contagious. However, being around someone with PTSD may cause secondary trauma, especially for close friends, family, or caregivers. Their emotions can impact others in the household or social circle.

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

You should talk to a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing persistent PTSD symptoms. Therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be effective. Seek immediate help if you feel overwhelmed, unsafe, or unable to cope.

A Quick Review

PTSD symptoms range from flashbacks and nightmares to emotional numbness and high-risk behaviors. They may start soon after trauma or much later. Support from mental health professionals can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek help.